10:18 there is no one more…11:42 But we have to take a…
Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 5, 2026.

Good character can change hearts

ICI · Muntasir Zaman

“People by their very nature, by their fitrah, aren't hateful.”

The khateeb, at 11:42

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Muslims should respond to anti-Muslim misinformation with confident, exemplary faith and positive engagement, remembering that Islam’s deep roots and good character can transform perceptions.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Opens with September 11’s legacy of propaganda, scrutiny, and Muslim belonging in America.
  2. Uses Thumama, Umar, and Amr ibn al-As to show that hatred can be transformed through exposure to Islam’s truth and character.
  3. Reframes intensifying anti-Muslim hostility as evidence of Islam’s positive social influence and recalls deep Muslim roots in America.
  4. Calls Muslims to make honesty, generosity, kindness, and integrity visible forms of da'wah.
  5. Urges confidence in belonging, perspective about the welcoming majority, and commitment to prayer, fasting, hijab, and Islamic tradition.
Try this week
Respond to hostility with patience, perspective, and positive personal interaction rather than letting hurt define your response.
Show Islam through honesty, integrity, kindness, generosity, and responsibility as neighbors, coworkers, parents, and citizens.
Remember that most people are welcoming, and do not let a small group of hecklers define your sense of belonging.
Remain confident and visible in practicing prayer, fasting, hijab, and other Islamic traditions.
Correct small acts of dishonesty, such as returning something mistakenly given in excess, as everyday da'wah.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 20The verses Umar heard are presented as softening his hardened heart and leading him to accept Islam.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“there is no one more beloved to me than you, and I would be nowhere else but here.”
ICI · Irving, TX
Play from 10:18
“But we have to take a step back and understand that subhanAllah, people by their very nature, by their fitrah, aren't hateful.”
ICI · Irving, TX
Play from 11:42
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that hateful comments can hurt, but they do not decide whether we belong here. He shared stories of people whose hostility changed into love after they experienced the Prophet’s kindness and the Muslim community’s character. Our honesty, generosity, and care for neighbors can help people see the beauty of Islam in everyday life. He encouraged us to notice the many welcoming people around us and to appreciate the deep roots of Islam in America, especially the legacy of Black American Muslims. He asked us to stay confident in our faith and prayed that Allah would strengthen our community and replace hatred with love, compassion, and understanding.

  1. What is one honest or kind choice you could make this week that reflects your faith?
  2. Who has helped you feel welcome, and how could you help someone else feel that way?
  3. What helps you feel confident about being Muslim when someone misunderstands your faith?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Irving2555 N Esters Rd, Irving, TX 75062Jumu'ah First khutbah 2:00 PM, salah 2:25 PM · second khutbah 3:15 PM, salah 3:40 PMKhateebMuntasir ZamanMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at ICI95 khutbahs
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